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Amazing as it might sound, ornithologists are still discovering several bird species each year that are completely new to science. These aren't all obscure brown birds on tiny islands – witness the bizarre Bare-faced Bulbul from Laos (2009), spectacular Araripe Manakin from Brazil (1998), or gaudy Bugun Liocichla from north-east India (2006).

Birds New to Science documents more than half a century of these remarkable discoveries, covering around 300 species. Each account includes the story of discovery, a brief description of the bird (many with accompanying photographs), and details of what is known about its biology, range and conservation status.

Written in an engaging style, this is a rich reference to an incredible era of adventure in ornithology.

Table of contents:

Acknowledgements
Scope of the book
Glossary
The concept of species
Description of the world's birds
Species accounts
Future new species
Invalid species
Future discoveries
The ethics of collecting
Conservation issues
Bibliography